21 Simple Ways To Easily Cover Gray Hair Naturally At Home

You can easily learn how to effectively cover gray hair naturally at home using simple DIY techniques. This allows you to manage your hair health between salon visits with ease and confidence. Gray hair is one of the most feared problems for people who are entering their 30s. You may disagree, but no one thinks about gray hair until they have their own. That is when you begin to feel as though the world is collapsing around you. Everything seems to start changing. And change is something that we, as humans, despise.

While some accept it and elegantly embrace becoming a silver fox (or vixen), others try to cover their grays as much as possible. Fortunately, there are many natural ways to cover gray hair at home. You can choose from the following 20 natural techniques for gray coverage. Keep scrolling!

How To Cover Gray Hair Naturally At Home

Krysta Biancone

, Hair Stylist, says, “The best color to cover gray hair depends on the individual’s skin tone and hair color. Generally, darker colors are better for a touch-up on gray hair than lighter colors because they don’t draw attention to the grays as much. The most natural-looking results come from lowlights rather than brighter standard highlights because they are actually a few shades darker than your hair. Some popular choices include black, dark brown, and dark red hues.”

Let’s now take a look at the natural methods to cover gray hair:

1. Amla And Henna Pack

You Will Need

• 1 cup fresh henna paste
• 3 tsp amla powder
• 1 tsp coffee powder
• Gloves
• An applicator brush

Processing Time

1 hour

Process

1. In a plastic bowl, combine all the ingredients until you get a smooth, consistent paste. You can add some water if you think the paste is too thick.
2. Put your gloves on and apply the mixture onto your hair using the applicator brush. Make sure that you cover all the gray parts.
3. Leave it in for an hour or until the paste dries up.
4. Rinse the hair pack out with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

Once a month.

Why This Works

Amla and henna work together to dye your hair naturally. Also, they are excellent ingredients for providing your hair with moisture and nourishment (1).

2. Black Tea Remedy

You Will Need

• 2 tsp black tea leaves
• 1 cup water

Processing Time

1 hour.

Process

1. Boil the black tea in a cup of water and let it steep for a couple of minutes.
2. Set the solution aside to cool.
3. Once the tea has cooled, apply it to your hair and leave it in for an hour.
4. Rinse your hair under cool running water.
5. Do not shampoo.

How Often?

Repeat this once every two weeks

Why This Works

Black tea stains your hair, darkening it. It also adds shine to your hair, making it an excellent remedy for reviving dull, lifeless hair.

3. Henna Remedy

You Will Need

• 2 tsp black tea leaves
• 4 tbsp pure henna powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp amla powder
• An applicator brush
• Gloves
• Conditioner

Processing Time

1 hour

Process

1. Soak the henna powder in a cup of water and let it soak for 8 hours. You can leave the henna to soak overnight.
2. In the morning, boil the black tea leaves in water and let it steep for a couple of minutes. Set it aside to cool.
3. Once the tea has cooled, pour it into the henna paste that you left to soak. Add the lemon juice and amla powder to this mixture and stir until you get a smooth, consistent paste.
4. Put your gloves on and apply the mixture onto your hair using the applicator brush. Make sure that you cover all the gray parts.
5. Leave it in for an hour or until the paste dries up.
6. Rinse the hair pack out with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

Once a month.

Why This Works

An effective option is to use henna for gray hair. It is a natural dye that also possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Not only does it darken your hair, but it also restores the pH balance of the scalp and normalizes oil production (2).

Sara, a blogger, shares a similar recipe where she applies a mixture of henna and indigo powder to her hair. She emphasizes it might take multiple applications for some individuals, but assures viewers that it is “completely safe, chemical-free, and beneficial to your hair (i).” She adds, “All of my gray hair is beautifully covered naturally, and I’m loving it.”

Quick Tip

You can also add a tablespoon of indigo powder to this remedy to darken your hair. You can use it in addition to or as a replacement for henna.

4. Sage Water Treatment

You Will Need

• A handful of sage leaves
• 2 cups water

Processing Time

2 hours

Process

1. Boil the sage leaves in water and let it steep for a couple of minutes.
2. Let the liquid cool and then pour it through your hair. Ensure that all of your hair is saturated with the sage water solution.
3. Leave it in for 2 hours and then proceed to wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week.

Why This Works

Sage leaves (salvis or sefakuss in Hindi), is one of the most effective ayurvedic remedies for gray hair. It restores the natural color of the hair and prevents the growth of gray hair (3).

5. Coconut Oil And Lemon Remedy

You Will Need

• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Processing Time

30 minutes

Process

1. Combine the ingredients in a bowl and start applying it to your hair.
2. Massage the mixture into your scalp and work it down to the tips of your hair.
3. Once all of your hair is covered, leave it in for 30 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

Twice a week.

Why This Works

While coconut oil and lemon juice do not reverse graying, it delays it by preserving the pigment cells in your hair follicles.

6. Curry Leaves

You Will Need

• 3 tbsp coconut oil
• A handful of curry leaves

Processing Time

1 hour

Process

1. Heat the curry leaves and coconut oil in a saucepan until you see a black residue forming.
2. Set the oil aside to cool.
3. Once the oil has cooled, massage it into your scalp and work it through the length of your hair.
4. Once all of your hair is covered, leave the oil in for an hour.
5. Wash off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Curry leaves

have the ability to restore the melanin in your hair follicles which help tackle graying (4). It also boosts hair growth by improving scalp health.

7. Ribbed Gourd

You Will Need

• 1 cup coconut oil
• 1 cup chopped ribbed gourd

Processing Time

45 minutes

Process

1. Sun dry the chopped ribbed gourd until it is completely dehydrated.
2. Soak the pieces in a cup of coconut oil for three days.
3. At the end of the third day, boil the pieces in the oil for 5-6 minutes.
4. Let the mixture cool. Strain out and collect the oil in a jar.
5. Take about 2 tablespoons of the oil (depending on the length of your hair) and start massaging it into your scalp. Work it into your hair until it is covered from root to tip.
6. Leave the oil in for 45 minutes and then wash it out with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

The Ribbed gourd is another vegetable that is known for its ability to restore the pigment cells in your hair follicles (5).

8. Potato Peel Rinse

You Will Need

• Potato peels from 6 potatoes
• 2 cups of water

Processing Time

5 minutes

Process

1. Boil the potato peels until you get a somewhat thick starchy solution.
2. Let the solution cool and then strain out the potato peels and collect the liquid in a mug.
3. Wash and condition your hair and then proceed to pour the potato peel rinse through your hair.
4. Do not rinse your hair any further.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

Why This Works

The starchy solution helps mask grays by adding pigment. This is one of the easiest solutions to disguise grays and your hair a new look.

9. Black Coffee

You Will Need

1 strongly brewed pot of coffee

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

1. Brew a strong pot of coffee and then set it aside to cool.
2. Once it has cooled, pour the coffee through your hair while massaging it in.
3. Once you’ve poured all the coffee through your hair, let your hair saturate in it for 20 minutes.
4. Rinse your hair under running water.
5. Do not shampoo.

How Often?

Repeat this twice a week.

Why This Works

Coffee

This coffee hair dye is not a permanent solution for gray hair. However, regular use can stain your hair to a dark brown color and mask all of your grays (6).

Quick Tip

You can also heat up some coffee powder mixed with coconut oil. Either apply this mix to your hair directly or strain out the oil and use it.

10. Indian Gooseberry (Amla) Hair Pack

You Will Need

• 1 tbsp amla powder
• 3 tbsp coconut oil

Processing Time

1 hour

Process

1. Heat the amla powder and coconut oil in a saucepan until the powder starts to char. Set it aside to cool.
2. Once the oil has cooled, start massaging it into your scalp and work it through the length of your hair.
3. Leave it in for an hour. Optionally, you can leave it in overnight.
4. Wash off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

Why This Work

Amla contains vitamin C and antioxidant properties both of which help preserve the melanin in your hair follicles. This slows down the graying process (7).

11. Black Pepper Hair Mask

You Will Need

• 2 grams black pepper
• 1 cup yogurt

Processing Time

1 hour

Process

1. Blend the ingredients together until you get a graying paste.
2. Massage the paste into your hair from the roots to the tips. Do not rub your eyes while applying the mixture as it can cause irritation.
3. Leave it on for an hour and then proceed to wash it out with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

Thrice a week.

Why This Works

With regular use, black pepper can darken gray hair. The yogurt in the mask helps condition your hair and make it softer.

12. Chamomile Tea Rinse

You Will Need

2 cups chamomile tea

Processing Time

5 minutes

Process

1. Brew 2 cups of chamomile tea and then let it cool.
2. Once the tea has cooled, pour it into a mug and set it aside.
3. Wash and condition your hair. After you’ve rinsed the conditioner out, pour the chamomile tea through your hair as a final rinse.
4. Do not rinse your hair any further.

How Often?

2-3 times a week, or after every shower.

Why This Works

Chamomile tea has hair darkening properties, and with regular use, it can mask gray hair over time.

13. Apple Cider Vinegar

You Will Need

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups water

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

1. In a jug, dilute the apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of water.
2. Pour this solution through your hair and leave it on for 20 minutes.
3. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

Once a week.

Why This Works

Apple cider vinegar is one of the best ingredients you could use to maintain scalp health. It helps curb graying by preserving the melanin in your hair follicles.

14. Blackstrap Molasses

You Will Need

1/4 cup blackstrap molasses

Processing Time

30 minutes

Process

1. Rinse your hair with warm water and then squeeze out the excess moisture.
2. Start applying the molasses from the root to the tips of your hair until it is entirely covered. Focus mainly on your scalp while you are doing so.
3. Leave it in for 30 minutes and then rinse it out with cool water and a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

Twice a week.

Why This Works

Blackstrap Molasses can restore the pigment in your hair follicles to reverse graying. You will have to use it regularly over a period of at least three months to see significant changes. Alternatively, you can consume two tablespoons of molasses every day.

15. Fenugreek Seeds

You Will Need

• 1/4 cup fenugreek seeds
• 1/2 cup coconut oil

Processing Time

8 hours

Process

1. In a saucepan, heat the coconut oil until it starts to boil.
2. To the boiling oil, add fenugreek seeds and heat for 6-8 minutes.
3. Set the saucepan aside to cool.
4. Once the oil has cooled, strain out the seeds and collect the oil in a jar.
5. Take two tablespoons of coconut oil and start massaging it into your scalp and hair.
6. Leave it in overnight.
7. In the morning, wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Fenugreek seeds

contain lecithin and essential amino acids which curb premature graying (8).

16. Oils For Gray Hair

For this remedy you can use one of the following oils:

• Jamaican black castor oil
• Black seed oil
• Olive oil
• Jojoba oil

You Will Need

2-3 tbsp hair oil

Processing Time

45 minutes

Process

1. Heat the oil until it is slightly warm.
2. Massage warm oil into your scalp for about 15 minutes and then work it through the length of your hair.
3. Once all of your hair is covered, wrap it with a warm towel (heat the towel by dampening it with hot water) and wait for 30 minutes.
4. Wash the oil out with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Regular oiling helps keep the hair follicles healthy while preserving colors. While most oils can only prevent graying, oils like black seed oil help darken hair over time (9). There is some proof that castor oil may help darken gray eyebrows, suggesting that it could do the same for hair.

17. Kombucha For Gray Hair

You Will Need

4-5 tbsp kombucha

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

1. Saturate your hair with the kombucha and leave it in for 20 minutes.
2. After 20 minutes, wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
3. Let your hair air dry.

How Often?

Twice a week.

Why This Works

Kombucha has shown tremendous results for people with gray hair (10). Regular use helps restore the melanin in your follicles and helps your hair grow out dark and healthy.

18. Onion Juice For Gray Hair

You Will Need

The juice from 1 onion

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

1. Extract the juice from one onion and collect it in a bowl.
2. Massage the juice into your scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes.
3. Wash off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

Twice a week.

Why This Works

Onion juice has a rich content of the enzyme Catalase which helps reverse graying. Regular application can help darken your hair from the roots (11).

19. Vegetable Hair Dye

You Will Need

A vegetable hair dye of your choice

Processing Time

30 minutes

Process

1. Following the instructions on the box, combine the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Wear gloves and use an applicator brush to apply the hair dye to your hair.
3. Leave it in for the amount of time specified on the box. (It’s usually 30 minutes.)
4. Wash off with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often?

Once a month.

Why This Works

Natural hair dyes do not contain the chemicals that regular box dyes contain. However, they are usually temporary and wash away in 8-12 washes.

20. Sage And Rosemary

You Will Need

• A handful of sage leaves
• 3-5 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 cups water

Processing Time

20 minutes

Process

1. Boil the sage leaves in 2 cups of water and then let it cool.
2. Collect the sage tea in a jug and to it add the drops of Rosemary essential oil.
3. Pour this through your hair while massaging it in.
4. Once all of your hair is saturated with the solution, leave it in for 10 minutes.
5. Rinse it out with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.

How Often

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Sage is known for its ability to reverse graying while darkening hair. It works with rosemary to improve scalp and follicle health (12).

21. Ginger And Carrier Oil

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (coconut, olive, or jojoba)

Processing Time

30-40 minutes

Process

1. Mix the ginger paste and carrier oil in a bowl.
2. Divide your hair into sections and massage generous portions of the mixture, in small circular motions, into your hair and scalp with your fingertips.
3. Once your whole head is covered, continue massaging for another 5 minutes for improved circulation.
4. Leave the mixture on for at least 30 minutes, then wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

How Often

Twice a week

Why This Works

Although ginger’s efficacy in treating gray hair is not scientifically proven, it is a rich source of antioxidants and has powerful antifungal properties that may help improve overall hair health (13). Further, carrier oils like coconut, penetrate the hair shaft to deeply nourish hair, making it appear stronger, thicker, and lustrous (14).

Tips To Cover Gray Hair

• Have vitamin-rich food: A balanced diet is essential for maintaining healthy hair for longer. Not getting the right nourishment is one of the leading causes of premature graying.

• Stay hydrated: Consuming a lot of water helps flush toxins out of your body while keeping your hair conditioned and healthy.

• Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the leading causes of premature graying. Quitting the habit will help in forestalling the graying process.

• Have antioxidant-rich foods: Incorporate antioxidant-rich foods into your diet, such as berries, nuts, and green leafy vegetables. These may help maintain healthy hair and delay graying.

• Eat oats. Oatmeal is a great source of biotin which is an essential vitamin your body needs to keep your hair healthy.

• Dye your hair: While it is recommended to use a natural remedy, you may resort to dyeing your hair while in a pinch.

What Really Causes Gray Hair?

1. Genetic Impact

Most dermatologists claim that graying at 25 may be attributed to genetics. If your parents or grandparents had a premature graying problem, you too are at a greater risk of experiencing the same.

2. Medical Causes

Studies have shown that issues like a chronic cold, chronic constipation, anemia, or problems with thyroid gland can lead to premature graying. In fact, hyperthyroidismⁱ  Excess production of thyroxine hormone by the thyroid gland causing weight loss, hand tremors, and rapid or irregular heartbeat. is one of the main factors for graying. Vitiligoⁱ  A disease that occurs when cells producing pigment die or become nonfunctional resulting in loss of pigment in skin and hair. is also a common cause for premature graying.

3. Deficiency Of Nutrients

If your body is not getting sufficient amounts of Vitamin B12, iodine, copper, iron, proteins, amino acids, and folic acidsⁱ  An acid that is converted by the body to make one of the B vitamins also called Vitamin B9 or folate. , you are more likely to get gray hair at a younger age. An improper diet causes a nutritional imbalance in the body. This tends to show itself in your hair and skin.

4. Overexposure To Chemicals And Heat

The overuse of chemical treatments and heat can cause irreversible damage to your hair and scalp, leading to premature graying.

5. Smoking

Studies have linked premature graying to an addiction to smoking. Smoking can cause a person to gray as early as in their 20s.

6. Mental Stress

When you are stressed over an extended period of time the vitamin B levels in your body drop considerably. This leads to premature graying.

However, there are also several misconceptions regarding gray hair. Continue reading the next section to learn whether these misconceptions are simply myths or if there is any truth to them.

Common Myths About Gray Hair

• Myth: Stress is the only cause of gray hair.
• The Truth: While stress does play a role in hair discoloration, other factors, such as genetics and nutritional deficiencies, also play significant roles in the graying process.

• Myth: Plucking gray hair makes more grow back.
• The Truth: Plucking a gray strand won’t cause more to grow in its place. However, it can damage your hair follicles over time, leading to hair loss.

• Myth: Gray hair is a sign of aging only.
• The Truth: Gray hair can start appearing at any age due to genetics, not just because you are getting older. It is called premature graying If it occurs at an early age.

• Myth: Using hair dye too often causes gray hair.
• The Truth: Hair dye doesn’t cause gray hair. Gray hair usually occurs due to a decrease in pigment production, not dyeing.

Infographic: 6 Practical Ways To Embrace Your Grays

There are many ways to slow down the process of hair aging and the appearance of gray hair. However, aging and graying are both natural processes that cannot be avoided and will need to be accepted sooner or later.

Check out this infographic for some tips that will help you embrace graying hair without the distress.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use natural remedies for gray hair?

The frequency of using natural remedies for gray hair depends on the specific treatment recommended and your hair’s needs. Generally, you can apply natural remedies such as oils or herbal treatments once or twice a week.

How to Use Walnut Shells for Gray Hair?

Krysta Biancone says, “Walnut shells can be used to make a natural dye to cover gray hair. First, grind them into a fine powder. Then, mix the powder with water until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to your hair and let it sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing it out. This should help to cover gray hair and give it a warm, dark color.”

Is baking soda good for gray hair?

“Baking soda is not bad for gray hair. In fact, baking soda can be used as a natural treatment to help maintain healthy gray hair. It can help remove excess oils and product buildup and increase shine. However, it is important to use baking soda sparingly, as overuse can cause drying and damage to the hair.” says Krysta Biancone

What color covers gray hair best?

You can go for beautiful colors like ash brown, caramel, golden brown, light auburn, butterscotch, silver, or icy blonde to cover your hair and add a splash of color to your hairstyle.

Is it better to go lighter or darker to cover gray hair?

Most hairstylists and experts recommend getting a shade or two lighter than your natural hair with darker roots to help break the contrast between your hair colors and add depth and dimension to your hairstyle. But if you do not like lighter shades, you can always go for a darker shade for a new look.

Why won’t my gray hair take color?

Scalp sebum production decreases with age, which makes gray hair drier and coarser. This makes it difficult for gray hair to take any color or tint. However, washing your hair and using the right color developer will make it easier for your gray hair to take the color.

How often should I dye my hair to cover the grays?

You should ideally keep coloring your hair every four to six weeks to reduce the risk of drying and damaging your hair. However, if you think that is too much and too expensive, you can opt for a permanent hair dye that lasts for somewhere between six to eight weeks.

Unlock the secrets to flawlessly covering your gray hair in this informative video. From professional coloring methods to DIY hacks, click on this video to start your journey to vibrant and rejuvenated tresses.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Vd. Naveen SharmaBAMS, Ayurveda Specialist

 

Dr. Naveen Sharma is a renowned Ayurveda specialist with an experience of 10 years. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery(B. A. M. S) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, in 2007.

Read full bio of Vd. Naveen Sharma

• 
  Krysta BianconeHair Stylist Krysta Biancone is a hair stylist with over 13 years of experience in blonde highlights, hair extensions, and blonde coloring. She aims to make every client feel their absolute best.
  
  Krysta Biancone is a hair stylist with over 13 years of experience in blonde highlights, hair extensions, and blonde coloring. She aims to make every client feel their absolute best.

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

Read full bio of Monomita Chakraborty